The Times Observer reported back in February that Eisenhower grad Delaney Chase was set to participate in a journalism internship this summer aimed at examining the state of American democracy.

The Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship runs 10 weeks and is headquartered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Between the assassination attempt and President Biden dropping out of the race, it’s certainly been a more volatile political season than just anyone may have predicted.

Twenty-nine student journalists representing 14 universities — Chase is currently a student at St. Bonaventure — are participating in the fellowship.

Photo provided to the Times Observer Eisenhower grad and St. Bonaventure student Delaney Chase, in the center towards the back, is among a group of students from across the country that are reporting on the state of American democracy as part of the Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship program in Arizona.

“This year’s presidential race is the first since the 2021 siege on the U.S. Capitol, the first featuring a former president with felony convictions, and the first amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence,” said News21 Executive Editor Pauline Arrillaga.

“Distrust in the system has increased even as disinformation campaigns have surged. Many Americans see this moment as a possible turning point in our democracy, and our student journalists are ready to help illuminate how we got here and where we’re headed.”

“It is also a lot of pressure, especially due to this year’s theme,” Chase said. “We want to make sure we do the project justice, but I am confident in our abilities and the work we have done so far.”

The students bring specialities that include writing, video, audio reporting, photography and data visualization.

The final project will be published in the coming months. Previous fellowship projects have been featured by The Associated Press, The Washington Post, USA Today, NBC News and The 19th.

Last year’s, for example, examining “America After Roe” while past topics have included police reform, COVID-19, extremist groups and juvenile justice.

Chase came to this internship with reporting experience for the TAPinto Greater Olean news site and is co-campus coordinator for the SBU chapter of the online magazine Her Campus.

“I really like reporting and talking with people. I’m getting a lot of experience talking to local people and telling their stories,” she told the Times Observer back in February. “Before I thought a small town was a disadvantage, but it has ended up being an advantage.”

Situated amid a presidential election cycle, Chase expects they’ll be talking with election officials and volunteers and also investigate the use of artificial intelligence in the process.

“The best we can simply do is tell the truth, speak with facts and do so in an articulate manner.”